Amid ongoing political tension in Rivers State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara recently paid him a visit in Port Harcourt in an effort to broker peace.
According to Wike, the governor was accompanied by two governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a notable twist in the unfolding drama.
Speaking during a live media chat on Monday, Wike confirmed the meeting, stating, “He came with two governors and another individual. He said he wants peace , I want peace too.”
However, the FCT Minister quickly added a caveat, pointing out that the two visiting governors were APC members, subtly raising concerns about the broader political implications of their involvement.
Wike described Fubara’s predicament as a “self-inflicted injury,” insisting the crisis could have been avoided if the embattled governor had listened to early counsel.
He recounted a meeting where prominent political figures, including Seyi Makinde, Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, had urged Fubara to maintain humility and stay aligned with those who supported his rise to power.
“He was advised sincerely. We told him the power you have is from God, don’t let people mislead you. Yes, you are a governor, but don’t abandon the people who worked for your success,” Wike said.
He suggested that the governor’s choices were influenced by a desire to assert authority at the expense of loyalty and gratitude.
On a separate note, Wike addressed the controversial issue of open grazing in the FCT. While acknowledging public frustration, he said the administration was cautiously navigating land disputes and encroachments linked to reserved grazing areas.
“We are doing everything we can, but governance requires tact, not haste,” he added.